Convergence Blended Finance

Compensation

Full Description

Location: Washington, DC; New York, NY; or Toronto, ON Convergence is the global network for blended finance. Blended finance is the use of catalytic public or philanthropic capital to increase private sector investment in places that need it most. We are the source for everything blended finance, including deals, data, reports, trainings, webinars, and much more. At Convergence, we believe that blended finance can disrupt traditional development finance as we know it, by attracting private sector funds to developing countries in volumes never before seen. Convergence is headquartered in Toronto, but we operate globally and have a presence in Nairobi, Kigali, Singapore, La Paz, and Washington, DC. Over the last ten years, we have built a robust network of over 200 public, private, and philanthropic investors as well as sponsors of transactions and funds. Convergence has the most complete dataset on blended finance (our Market Data) and draws on that growing repository to present fact-based views to the field. To accelerate advances in the field, Convergence also provides grants and support through its Blended Finance Accelerator, which enables the design and launch of new blended finance solutions. We are small but mighty. Join us if you want to be part of an energetic team with a unique role at the intersection of development and finance. We are passionate about and united around the goal of directing money to where it’s needed most – into developing countries and towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. We have built a culture defined by our diversity, inclusivity, and ability to get things done. In this relatively new and growing organization, you can be sure that you’ll have a voice and leave your mark. Finally, we take our team members’ growth and well-being seriously, so we offer opportunities for professional development and team building as well as flexible schedules and generous time-off policies. We are currently seeking a Director of Market Insights and Capacity Building to elevate our knowledge and data (Market Insights) offerings and Capacity Building programming. This person would be responsible for guiding various workstreams including our efforts to produce case studies, data briefs, and Market Data as well as other field building publications such as our annual keystone reports, The State of Blended Finance and The State of Climate Blended Finance. This role is instrumental in ensuring Convergence is at the forefront of the blended finance market, by building the evidence base for the field and pushing it forward. POSITION DESCRIPTION This role will report to the CEO and will be a member of the management team. They will be responsible for overseeing 2 to 3 direct reports (and total team of 6 to 7) and will focus on strategically guiding and enhancing our overall Market Insights and Capacity Building efforts. This person will collaborate across the organization and work closely with the COO and Head of Communications to ensure we effectively produce and disseminate a robust content program that: i) ensures the organization is at the forefront of the blended finance market, ii) serves to influence and advocate for blended finance as a private investment mobilization tool for emerging markets, and iii) responds to Convergence members’ and partners’ needs and interests. RESPONSIBILITIES In addition to the responsibilities below, the Director, in partnership with the CEO and management team, is expected to build strategic partnerships and generate leads that will lead to both financial and in-kind resource mobilization to grow Convergence’s market positioning. • Independently author compelling thought leadership and key messaging that amplifies Convergence’s positioning on blended finance; collaborate with the Head of Communications to craft strategic narratives and represent Convergence externally by fielding media requests and interviews • Refine and expand Convergence’s global Market Insights and Capacity Building programs to deliver content that influences and advocates for greater levels of blended finance in emerging markets. • Proactively lead the development and delivery of new content and capacity building offerings (e.g., case studies, data insights, reports, learning sessions, roundtables), ensuring they complement Convergence’s portfolio and maximize reach and impact. • Contribute strategically to customized content for clients (donors, foundations, DFIs) and adapt this content for broader field relevance. • Enhance Convergence’s Market Data and Market Data Explorer by identifying new ways to extract value and pursuing data partnerships to improve coverage, including hard-to-find data (e.g., returns, concessionality terms). • Develop and strengthen partnerships with research organizations, data providers, and think tanks to reach high-priority stakeholders while leveraging Convergence’s core strengths. • Provide strategic oversight and foster a collaborative, solutions-oriented team culture; support staff by removing bottlenecks, building capacity, and enabling efficient, high-quality project delivery. DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS We are looking for candidates with 12+ years of experience including 3-5 years as a thought leader and change agent with demonstrable experience working to influence individuals and institutions in the blended finance ecosystem. The ideal candidate will have: • Excellent communication, facilitation, and relationship-building skills • Deep understanding of knowledge gaps with respect to blended finance, private sector mobilization • Demonstrated experience creating knowledge products (e.g. research briefings, reports, etc.) • A network of contacts in the private, public, and philanthropic spheres that can be activated to build strategic partnerships • Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment • Experience managing direct reports • Academic background and a degree in finance, law, public policy or international development and/or relations would be of interest • If not based in Toronto, ability to travel to quarterly to Toronto, where the Market Insights team is based • As a bonus, direct experience in grant making, structuring, or managing investments in emerging markets Convergence does not support visas and candidates should be eligible to work in one of the posted locations. APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS As part of your application, please include a short, persuasive writing sample (e.g., op-ed), no more than 1000 words, that you have produced on a field/sector level topic related to blended finance (e.g. innovative finance, investing in emerging markets etc.). We are looking to hire quickly and so will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis; applicants are therefore encouraged to apply as soon as possible before September 25, 2025. Please note that due to the high volume of applications, we will only contact applicants selected for an interview. Convergence believes in an inclusive environment. We celebrate the different viewpoints and experiences our diverse team members bring to our organization. Convergence encourages all individuals motivated by our mission and mandate to apply.